Things to Do in Naxos That Will Make You Fall in Love with the Island

General Things to Know About Naxos

Naxos is a large and lush Cycladic island in the heart of the Aegean. It features fertile plains, springs and rivers, green valleys, and high mountains. And if these were not enough, it’s also home to some of the best beaches in Greece.

The island’s main center is known as Chora, yet, being such an extensive place, several villages keep very traditional habits to the present day.

The island’s economy depends mostly on its agriculture. Naxos is, in fact, known for its fantastic cheeses as well as for its potatoes and its landmark spirit, the kitron.

What to Expect in Naxos

The island enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate all year round, with very hot summers and little rain. Generally speaking, summer-like weather begins in mid-March lasting until the end of September, sometimes even well into October!

From the beginning of Spring, the island wears its greenest dress. Wildflowers and herbs fill the air with inebriating aromas. But when the peak of the summer gets closer, the landscape turns dry and harsh.

Winter is cold, but temperatures are not as rigid as in the rest of Europe. It’s rare to find temperatures below zero, and there are many sunny days, even in winter

Frequently Asked Questions about Naxos

• How long does it take to get to Naxos from the port of Piraeus?
  It all depends on how you travel. Usually, it takes from 3 to 4 hours to travel from Piraeus to Naxos by high-speed boat. If you’re traveling with regular service, the trip can last up to 5 hours.

• Can you fly directly to Naxos?
  There are no direct flights from the rest of Europe, but you can fly from Athens. Alternatively, fly to other Cycladic islands, such as Mykonos or Santorini, and then board a ferry to Naxos Island.

• Which is better, Naxos or Paros?
  It all depends on what you’re looking for. Paros is your option if you travel to the Greek islands to find exciting nightlife. It has two different centers, Paroikia and Naoussa. the island offers more bars, nightclubs, and shopping opportunities. Naxos is more relaxed, with a wider territory to discover and plenty of churches, sites, and ruins.

• What is Naxos famous for?
  Naxos is known for being the largest of the Cyclades. It’s also known for its lush landscape, its delicious gastronomy, featuring top-quality dairy products, as well as for the large concentration of minerals, the marble quarries, and the stunning Temple of Apollo easy to spot upon arrival, opposite the port.

• Is Naxos expensive?
  In Naxos, it’s possible to spend little and enjoy a lot. Definitely more affordable than Mykonos or Santorini, accommodation is often convenient. Being quite a rich island, most of the products you will eat are sourced locally, therefore prices are also good for food and drinks.

• What things I cannot miss in Naxos?
  Nothing is better than exploring the magnificent beaches and tasting the local gastronomy made of genuine staple products, such as the local cheeses and the famous potatoes of Naxos. You can also explore ancient archaeological sites, starting with the famous Temple of Apollo and its immense gate, the Portara, right opposite the port of Naxos.

• Is Naxos a party island?
  Not really… There are many venues to spend the night, such as wine bars, tavernas, and beautiful restaurants, but if you’re looking for exciting nightlife, stick to islands such as Mykonos, Ios, or Paros.

• How much time should I spend in Naxos?
  Just a few days are enough to have a quick view of the island. Having more time will make it easier to explore hidden villages and remote beaches. I suggest spending from 4 to 7 days to see the best of the island.

Things to Do in Naxos

Chora of Naxos

One of the most stunning things to do in Naxos is to get lost in the romantic atmosphere of the old town. The city, or Chora, stands in a somewhat higher position, and it offers a magnificent view of the sea.

If you look at the old town from the port, instead, the imposing Venetian castle on top of the chora is the piece of jewelry on top of the crown. Known as Bourgo, the old town grew surrounding the castle’s walls.

Bourgo is a typical Cycladic settlement of whitewashed cubic houses with colorful doors and shutters adorned with pink and white bougainvillea. 

Stop at any of the local tavernas for a cold drink during summer and to watch life passing by in this gorgeous area of Naxos.

The Kastro

The best way to access the Venetian Castle is through the gate known as Trani Porta, or the main gate, located towards the north.

Check the rest of the defensive towers, the passages, and the ancient alleys inside the castle. You can also access the Catholic church inside the castle and the ancient cemetery.

Sunset at the Portara

The city is connected to the Palatia islet by a long man-made road that everyone walks in the late hours to secure a spot close to the Portara. Nobody wants to miss the sun going down in this corner of the Aegean.

Venetian Museum

Known as Domus Della Rocca-Barozzi, the Venetian museum is located next to Trani Gate. 

The visit lets you better admire the structure of the old castle, but it also allows you to taste the different wines that the Della Rocca-Barozzi family produces on the island.

Archaeological Museum of Naxos

One more thing to visit when you are inside the castle, occupying the premises of the former French School, is the interesting Archaeological Museum of Naxos.

The museum features the mysterious Cycladic statues and an impressive collection of objects from different historic times, from the Neolithic to the Roman periods.

Naxos City Beaches

There are two beaches close to Chora that you can visit, Grotta and Agios Giorgos. These are convenient places to sunbathe and swim if you are not planning to explore other beaches on the island.

None of them can be considered the best beaches in Naxos, but certain characteristics make them worth a visit.

Grotta can be your cup of tea if you’re a snorkeling fan. The beach is known for the submerged Minoan settlements that can still be seen underwater. Agios Giorgos is a long sandy beach on the southern end of the seaside promenade.

Naxos’ Mountains

Besides its spectacular beaches, Naxos is also famous for the green valleys, the high mountains, and many traditional villages you can discover.

Driving around the island, you can discover forgotten archaeological ruins, lonely churches, remains of abandoned fortresses, and inspiring landscapes.

You can spend a day visiting several villages, tasting the island’s traditional dishes, and learning about unique Naxian arts and crafts.

Sangri is a gorgeous settlement where time seems to have stopped ages ago. Kato Sangri (Lower Sangri) hosts the remains of an old Venetian Castle, while in Ano Sangri (Upper Sangri), there’s the old Byzantine Castle of Apaliron, about 400 meters high and with stunning views of the underlying valley.

Temple of Demeter

It’s also in the area of Sangri where you can discover one of the most spectacular remains from Classical times, the Temple of Demeter, with its perfect square shape.

You can also check out a Paleochristian Basilica and a small but interesting archaeological museum with findings from the local excavations.

Halki and the Tragea Valley

Once you leave Sangri behind, drive north to reach the Tragea Valley, a unique wide valley covered with olive trees and aromatic plants.

From here, it’s possible to reach the picturesque settlement of Halki, one of the best-known traditional settlements on the island.

Halki is known for Vallindras Distillery, which has produced kitron since 1896. Kitron is the landmark spirit produced in Naxos made with the zest and leaves of a local tree.

Apeiranthos

Apeiranthos is an immaculate white marble settlement with very clear Cretan characteristics. In fact, several historians believe that people from Crete moved here and founded the village in the 10th century.

In Apeiranthos, you will find characteristic Venetian fortifications and amazing natural views of the surrounding valleys.

There are four museums in the small village and tasty and varied gastronomy to taste, focusing on local cheeses, natural yogurt, and other dairy products.

Naxos’ Northern Coast

Driving the scenic road from Apeiranthos to Apollonas is another of the many things to do in Naxos. Although not an exciting ride for those faint of heart, this mountain road can prove extremely fun for adrenaline junkies!

Driving this way, you will venture along winding roads from the villages of Koronos all the way to Koronida, the highest settlement on the island. This is certainly one of the best things to do in Naxos and a non-touristic one!

Apollonas

Known mostly for the 12-meter-long Kouros, the male statue left abandoned in the area hundreds of years ago, Apollonas is a small fishing village with a couple of tiny beaches that attract those holidaymakers who want to relax and disconnect in this less popular area of Naxos. 

There are several cafés and tavernas for a traditional lunch by the sea too. You can either spend the night in one of the small local hotels or drive back to Naxos, taking the panoramic coastal road, most of it impressively overlooking the sea.

If the trip gets too long, you can visit Engares, a typical village with a small museum featuring an ancient olive mill.

Mount Zas

If you love adventure, you can hike the tallest mountain on the Cyclades. According to the myth, this was where God Zeus grew up (if you’re looking for such a place in Crete, check this cave).

Following the legend, you can also learn that his son, God Dionysus, also grew up in the Cave of Zas.

The mountain is a beloved trekking destination on Naxos Island. It’s possible to follow the trekking path that starts from Danakos village.

Once on the summit, the views of the sea and other Cycladic islands are stunning. Besides, you can discover a lot about the local species too.

It’s possible to get there with your own car or take the public bus that from the Chora of Naxos reaches the village of Danakos (check the bus schedules at the station. Please take into account that the departure hours can change according to the season and the weather conditions).

Melanes

Close to the village of Flerio, it’s possible to visit two of the most mysterious ancient remains on this island.

These two male figures left unfinished in the area are located close to the impressive marble quarries of Naxos, towards the island’s center. They are about 6 meters long each and date back to approximately 570 BC.

Day Trip to the Small Cyclades

The group of small islands also known as the Lesser Cyclades or Small Cyclades is located between the islands of Naxos and Amorgos, you can take a ferry to visit Iraklia, Schinoussa, Ano Koufonissia, or Donoussa.

These heavenly islands have yet to be discovered by mass tourism, and they are an ideal place to relax and disconnect completely.

It’s possible to reach the Small Cyclades with the Express Skopelitis, a small ferry that sails to these islands all year round, here it’s possible to check the ticket prices and the schedule.

Naxos Beaches

Of course, you cannot visit Naxos without checking out the local beaches, some of them among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. These are the top five beaches you must see in Naxos:

Plaka Beach

Plaka is one of my favorite beaches in Naxos… and in Greece. Maybe because I visited during May, when it was virtually empty, maybe because the trip to Naxos is one of my fondest memories of discovering the Cyclades… This is a fantastic beach, and you won’t be disappointed.

The beach features kilometers of soft, clear sand and pristine waters. Nudism is ok, and it’s possible to get food and drinks within a small walking distance.

Agios Prokopios

About 15 minutes by car from the Chora, Agios Prokopios is a popular beach in Naxos that you can’t miss. It’s also possible to reach the area by public bus, so it’s commonly quite crowded.

The beach is well organized and some great tavernas at the beachfront promenade are usually overpopulated all day.

The water has a fantastic, vibrant turquoise color, the sand is soft, and there are some spots where you can get shelter from the sun under tamarisk trees.

Mikri Viglia

Probably the most exotic beach on the island, it is known for its transparent waters and soft sand. Some rocks on different spots along the shore create small coves that are not hit by the wind.

Mikri Viglia is known as one of the finest beaches in Greece. If you’re traveling with kids, check out the southern side of the beach, Limanaki, which is well protected from the northern winds.

Agia Anna

It might not be as spectacular as the other beaches mentioned above. Still, Agia Anna is easy to reach from the town center and super well-organized, making it one of the most popular shores on Naxos. It has very shallow waters, which makes it perfect for children.

The beach is close to Agios Prokopios beach, so it can be easy to visit both on the same day. Agia Anna tends to get quite busy during the summer.

Apollonas

This lesser-known beach is somewhat remote on the island’s northern tip, so not many visitors get to the area unless they have their own car.

It’s also possible to get to Apollonas with the public bus that departs from the Chora. In the area, you will find beaches with small pebbles and sand.

There’s some organization by the beach, including traditional tavernas serving the catch of the day, and a few studios to spend the night if you change your mind and want to spend the evening instead of going back to the Chora.

Naxos Tours

These are some of the most popular tours in Naxos and the surrounding areas.

• Half-Day Cooking Class at Basiliko Family Tavern
• Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling
• Small Cyclades Full-Day Boat Trip from Naxos
• Naxos Mythology Walking Tour and Sunset at the Portara

Accommodation

• Korali Palace Studios
• Portara Seaside Luxury Suites
• Mythology Naxos Villas & Suites

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Naxos, you can check out this article that includes the best areas to stay on the island and very convenient hotels.

Where to Eat

• O Vasilis: A top-rated place on the island for traditional dishes (Melanes village)
• Yasouvlaki: Informal style, delicious souvlaki, and comfort food (Chora promenade)
• Taverna Dalas: Traditional Greek dishes with convenient prices (Koronos village)

You must try:

• Local dishes made with potatoes. Potatoes from Naxos are exported to the rest of the islands and are delicious, and crispy when fried, or cooked in the oven.
• Graviera cheese from Naxos is one of the most delicious cheeses in Greece.
• Kitron is the local alcoholic drink that has been a landmark of Naxos for ages.

Nightlife in Naxos

There’s a lot to do in Naxos at night for every age and every pocket. Nightlife can be pretty active and intense…. or as romantic as you can make it.

Such a big island offers a lot of entertainment, from the most romantic sunset spot by the sea to clubs and bars to listen to music and enjoy summer cocktails.

Things to Do in Naxos at Night

• Enjoy the sunset at the Portara, walk along the romantic alleys in the Chora, and go for a degustation of local wines at La Vigne. If you’re in the mood, you can enjoy jazz music at Jazz & Blues Bar, a speakeasy in the Chora of Naxos.

• Yazoo Summer Bliss Cocktail Bar right opposite Plaka Beach is a great seaside venue. In town, enjoy the terrace views and the drinks at 520 Cocktail Bar.

• Want to go clubbing? Ocean Mojo Club is a top place for a fun evening seasoned with the most amazing cocktails (Naxos Town waterfront).

How to Get to Naxos

The best way to get to Naxos from Athens is by plane. Prices can be affordable if you book months before the travel date. However, the most common way to reach the destination is by traveling to Naxos by ferry.

Most departures are from the port of Piraeus, on mainland Greece. In summer, there are at least xxx boats reaching Naxos daily. there are also departures from the port of

There are also ferries departing from the Port of Rafina, (closer to Athens international airport), with a travel time from 3 to 5 hours. Weekly ferry services depart from the Port of Lavrio in Athens.

For more information on how to reach Naxos, check out this article.

How to Move Around in Naxos

On such a big island, nothing better than the freedom of renting your own car. It’s the perfect way to explore hidden corners of the island that you would otherwise miss because no public transport reaches the areas frequently.

Besides, a rental car gives you flexibility to plan your itinerary beforehand or your day on the go.We’ve had an awesome experience with a local company. However, you can also look for a car by using a car rental search engine for more choices when looking for a car to rent. 

Hiring a bike is a second possibility, especially if you plan to move close to the center or to visit beaches that are not off the beaten track.

What to Pack for a Trip to Naxos

Luggage
The best advice I can give you is to travel light. Especially if you’re island-hopping via ferry. A good 40-liter backpack is a good solution. Check out this convenient Amazon hard shell model. if you prefer a carry-on suitcase. Always add a small foldable daypack for excursions or a comfortable beach bag.

Beach & excursions
Other than the essential swimming suits, pack your snorkeling gear, beach shoes for pebbles, and a high SPF lotion.

Hikers will certainly walk better when wearing breathable walking shoes. If you venture into the mountains, carry a comfortable pair of pants, and add a good quality hat to your outfit to protect you from the sun. If you want more details about how to prepare your beach back, check out this article!

Clothing & accessories
Pack clothes that you can easily mix and match. Choose breathable material or garments that dry fast for you to wash and wear the day after. Three T-shirts, two pairs of shorts, and a couple of summer dresses will be more than fine.

For men, a nice shirt for dinner, three to five T-shirts, plus two pairs of shorts or bermudas are more than enough for a week on the islands.

When it comes to shoes, if you’re a woman, avoid heels and prefer flat sandals or wedges. For men, the best shoes are summer loafers or soft leather sandals. Don’t leave your flip-flops at home.

Don’t forget your toiletries, electronics, a photo camera, extra memory cards, and a good guide to the Greek islands.

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Things to Do in Naxos